UAP Blog Feed

JAMES AND ELEANOR AVERY 'LUCKY DIP' THE DARLING HOTEL

6133 — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:33:36 +1000

LUCKY DIP by James and Eleanor Avery

James and Eleanor Avery’s ‘Lucky Dip’ greets guests at the entrance of The Darling Hotel, a five star boutique hotel which forms part of The Star, the newly transformed entertainment complex lining Sydney’s waterfront. The artwork is a response to the concept of regeneration and aims to bring life and energy to the site through positive symbolism.

The suspended, aluminium sculpture takes the form of a gliding swallow carrying two diamonds in it’s beak. The vivid red colour adds vibrancy to the space and the geometric, faceted design reflects the industrial heritage of the site in a contemporary way. The swallow is a symbol of hope, fertility and the renewal of life and the diamonds symbolise love, excellence, purity, strength, power and brilliance. The cherry-like stem is a whimsical reminder of the cheeky ‘double cherry’ symbol which was fashionable in the 1970’s and has recently seen a revival.

‘Lucky Dip’ compliments the geometry of the building and adds an energetic, playful feel to the lobby, enhancing the atmosphere and welcoming arriving guests to the luxury hotel. The artwork was fabricated at UAP's Brisbane workshop.

'Lucky Dip' The Darling Hotel, Sydney

'Lucky Dip' in progress at UAP Studio Brisbane

'Lucky Dip' The Darling Hotel, Sydney

All images by Roger D'Souza©

Client: Echo Entertainment

Architect: Cox Richards and DBI Design

Developer: Brookfield Multiplex

For more information on this project please contact Daniel Tobin e: daniel.tobin@uapstudio.com

James and Eleanor Avery are represented by Ryan Renshaw

UAP CHINA PROJECT - SOPHEAP PICH INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CENTRE, NINGB0

6133 — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:37:43 +1000

CHRYSALIS by Sopheap Pich UAP China

‘Chrysalis’, by Sopheap Pich, is a symbol of possibility, new beginnings and transformation. The work draws parallels between the chrysalis and Ningbo’s International Finance Centre, an international development where ideas incubate and expand throughout the world.

The twelve metre tall work has been manufactured in hand-formed and hand-beaten copper sheet, and is suspended in a key pedestrian void that connects 4 key levels of the development. The work, viewed from the spiralling staircase that surrounds it or from the elevator as you move past it, contributes to the creation of a truly dramatic architectural space.

International Finance Centre, Ningbo

Sopheap Pich in studio

Sopheap Pich studio work

Chrysalis installed at the International Finance Centre, Ningbo

Architect Nikken Sekkei Architects (Japan)

Landscape SWA (USA)

Client Ningbo East New Town Investment and Development Company Limited

For more information on this project please contact Matthew Tobin e: matthew.tobin@uapstudio.com

WESTFIELD CARINDALE PLAYSCAPE

6133 — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:26:06 +1000

STRAY Playscape by Amanda Harris UAP Studio

Westfield Carindale, Brisbane

UAP Studio's Amanda Harris was commissioned to develop an integrated playscape for newly refurbished Westfield Carindale Shopping Centre, Brisbane. Located in the centre’s Millennium Square, the playscape focuses on forms, materials and colours that are appropriate, fun and safe for children. Part of the design intent was to integrate protection from nearby traffic and provide shelter from the sun. Key words such as ‘nurture’, ‘nourish’, ‘educate’ and ‘delight’ were a constant reference for Harris’s conceptual approach.

Children's single spinner at Westfield Carindale.

Harris explains “many childhood memories revolve around play locations. My own particularly vivid recollections of play are linked to natural spaces – in particular games and adventure in and around trees. Brisbane has a greater ecological diversity of plant and animal species than any other Australian capital. And a microcosm of that diversity is featured just to the east of Westfield Carindale, in the Bulimba Creek Corridor.

My concept for Millennium Square’s play area does not seek to replace play in natural spaces, but to pay tribute to it. It’s an exploration of our intrinsic bond with nature and an effort to encourage play of the same nurturing kind provided by natural spaces. We find particular trees especially beautiful and we frequently attribute anthromorphic behaviour to them (for example, trees leaning into each other seemingly in deep conversation). I believe this attachment and romanticism is an indicator of the ingrained bond we have to them and their forms. It’s this relationship that informs my proposal for both the playscape and the facade treatments and feels at home within the over arching design approach and aesthetic for Millennium Square.”

Children's climbing play, Westfield Carindale.

Stray was installed in 2012 and included early age bracket climbing, sitting and standing spinners, climbing play and paved seating.
The playscape was constructed at UAP's Brisbane workshop from cast aluminium, hand painted nylon rope and resin.

Children's group spinner, Westfield Carindale.

For more information on custom playscapes please contact Andre Loodewijk on andre.loodewijk@uapstudio.com

IN CONCEPT | IN PROGRESS | INSTALLED

6133 — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:34:44 +1000

In Concept - My Voyager Peter Hennessey

Artist Peter Hennessey’s sculpture is the final instalment of the now iconic Westfield Centrepoint Public Art Program, delivered by Urban Art Projects. Constructed at UAP’s Brisbane workshop My Voyager will be suspended from Westfield Centrepoint’s newly designed Sky Lobby and will be seen from a number of levels throughout the centre.

Conceptually Hennessey’s artwork mirrors Centrepoint Tower’s unique futuristic sense by acting as a symbol of optimism and intrigue. My Voyager provokes the viewer to think about an expanding world rather than a contracting one. The artwork is due for completion mid-2013.

For more information on this project please contact Daniel Tobin e: daniel.tobin@uapstudio.com

In Progress - Far Away Here Belinda Smith

Artist Belinda Smith was inspired by location, for her new porcelain installation Far Away Here. Currently in construction phase at UAP Brisbane, the artwork is made from flat and articulated porcelain tiles. Smith pays homage to the role libraries provide to communities all over the world by shaping each porcelain tile into a ‘V’ which signifies an infinite open book. The artwork was commissioned by Gold Coast City Council and is to be installed in the plaza area at Helensvale Library and Community Cultural and Youth Centre in May 2013.

For more information on this project please contact Chantal Fraser e: chantal.fraser@uapstudio.com

Installed – Environ Langtree Mall

Hansen Partnership were the lead landscape architects on the Langtree Mall project undertaken by Mildura Rural City Council. UAP’s Environ range of street furniture was used to complement Hansen’s design concept inspired by the Murray River.

For more information on this project please contact Andre Loodewijk e: andre.loodewijk@uapstudio.com

EVENT 'The Listening Museum' at UAP

6133 — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:10:40 +1000

The Listening Museum

Urban Art Projects

Saturday 20 April, 6.00pm

You are invited to; The Listening Museum – Clocked Out’s imaginative collaboration with Sydney based Ensemble Offspring. In this interactive event, the two groups come together to present a series of performance installations focusing on the phenomena of listening – gong therapy, bass drums and ping pong balls, kinetic sound generating objects, beauty boxes and an extremely prepared piano. Situated in the wonderful art-making factory of Urban Art Projects, the listening museum is inspired by the machinery, the site, and the promise of a bronze pouring by Kev and Kev at the end of the evening. Come and explore sound.

WHERE & WHEN
Urban Art Projects
Saturday 20 April, 6pm
41 Holland Street, Northgate (train station access)

Duration approx 90 minutes
Entry is by donation, drinks available for purchase.

The Listening Museum features Vanessa Tomlinson, Claire Edwardes, Michael Askill (percussion), Erik Griswold (prepared Piano), Jason Noble (clarinets), Jessica Azsodi (soprano), Ba Da Boom Percussion, Lawrence English (installation) and many surprise guests.

PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY - EOI Old Treasury Building Office Tower, Perth

6133 — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:54:05 +1100

OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS

FORM are inviting Australian artists to submit EOI packages for the Old Treasury Building Office Tower in Perth, WA.

Submissions close 5pm WST, 11 April 2013.

For more information please contact Beth Campell of FORM e: beth@form.net.au or download briefing package here

Art for Eva | Ryan Renshaw Gallery

6133 — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Ryan Renshaw Gallery is again hosting Art for Eva to raise funds for Eva D’Souza who suffers from the neurodevelopment disorder, Rett Syndrome.

This year’s event is to raise money to help five year old Eva talk with the aid of a Tobii CEye eye-tracking computer. This technology can read direction from Eva’s eyes and turn this into words, enabling her to communicate.

Over 50 artists have generously contributed works for a Charity Exhibition to raise the profile of Rett Syndrome and to raise funds to purchase this necessary equipment for Eva.

The artists, an eclectic mix of established and emerging, local and international, have donated the artworks which will each be sold on the night for the same fixed sum.

Since 1993 an Australia-wide study, which is the only population-based collection of Rett syndrome in the world, has been investigating this disorder. Rett syndrome affects 1 in 9000 girls in Australia.

EXHIBITION Art for Eva
GALLERY Ryan Renshaw Gallery, 137 Warry Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
DATE 6-8pm, 14 December, 2012

A full list of artists and complete details on the event can be downloaded here.

Artist EOI - Lake Hamilton Foreshore Redevelopment

6133 — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:32:24 +1100

Southern Grampians Shire Council is tendering for a public art commissions for the Lake Hamilton Foreshore. The tender includes for two commission categories which are to be located and integrated with the regional playground:

one (1) entry sculpture
five (5) artworks

Tender submissions are due Monday, 14 January, 2013.

The briefing document can be downloaded here.

EOI for Public Art Project - Sunshine Town Centre

6133 — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:04:07 +1100

Expressions of Interest are now open for a public artwork commission by Brimbank City Council. The commission is for a permanent public artwork, or series of works to activate public spaces around their community facilities at the Sunshine Town Centre.

Submissions can be made until Tuesday, 5 March 2013.

Download the Artist Briefing document here.

Turbulent Line by Ned Kahn – UAP’s latest benchmark project.

6133 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The nine-story, 5000m² kinetic facade of the Brisbane Airport Domestic car park, formally opened in August, is the result of a three-way collaboration between American artist Ned Kahn, Urban Art Projects (UAP) and Hassell (Sydney).

Located on the eastern side of the car park, the facade consists of approximately 117,000 individually suspended aluminium panels that ripple fluidly, in a water-like motion when activated by the wind, which artist Ned Kahn acknowledges is a direct reference to the Brisbane River.

"I was taking photographs and I got intrigued with the reflection of a ship's mast in the river. So I took a bunch of photographs of it and basically we superimposed the line of the warped mast on this huge facade," Kahn said.

UAP’s studio team overcame a number of design obstacles with regards to concept feasibility and suitability to the location. The sheer size of the facade structure and its proximity to active airport terminals and live air space meant careful considerations needed to be made with regards to ventilation, sound, glare and reflectivity, durability and lighting.

The UAP team created a unique design concept that accommodated the specific needs of the site while maintaining the artist’s intent.

Collaboratively drawing on UAP’s and Ned Kahn’s collective experience, resolution of the design obstacles addressing ventilation and durability were achieved.

The potential for glare and reflectivity from the artwork interfering with aircraft flight paths was resolved through the use of anodised aluminium which diffuses sunlight and reduces glare.

Noise generated by the constant movement of the panels was minimised through the addition of a UV proof component "o"-ring, which cushions the movement of each panel.

The artwork is the latest addition to the portfolio of artworks UAP have delivered for Brisbane Airport including works by Dennis Nona, Lena Yarinkura, John Nicholson, Gemma Smith and Belinda Smith. UAP also recently co-curated and project managed Art with Altitude, Brisbane Airport's temporary art festival.

Interview with Ben Tait, UAP by Trends Magazine

MEMORIALS AND COMMEMORATIVE WORKS

6133 — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Memorials serve as a focus for the commemoration and communication of noteworthy events, accomplishments, bravery and sacrifice of others, and are a significant part of our community landscape.

Urban Art Projects has delivered large and small scale memorials and commemorations, highlighting our capabilities in the design and /or fabrication of emotional and reflective works.

UAP understand the importance of memorial design and materiality to convey emotion while providing a robust structure that can withstand external elements and public interaction for many years as evidenced in our award-winning works.

Cemetery Beach Playscape

6133 — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The city of Port Hedland recently commissioned artists to deliver a creative children’s play area for an extension to its Cemetery Beach Park along the foreshore. UAP with FORM facilitated skills development workshops with artists from the Spinifex Hill Artists collective which delivered the three commissioned concepts for integration into the park.

Gumnut Talkies by Ann Sibosado
Spinning Wattle Buds by Irene Coffin
Stepping Stones, Turtle Discovery by Esther Quintal

Through the commissioning of local artists the bespoke play elements delivered a direct connection within the park to the local environment, community and its culture and history.

UAP continued to work closely with the artists to develop the concepts including functionality, materiality and finishes to create functional, durable, interactive play elements that propose an experience of discovery and adventure.

UAP fabricated the artworks at its foundry and workshop in Northgate, Queensland.

BENCHMARK PROJECT | BAYNTON WEST | PUBLIC ART PROJECT

6133 — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1100

UAP and FORM were invited by LandCorp to develop an overarching Art Strategy for LandCorp’s Baynton West housing development in Karratha, Western Australia. Baynton West is set to become a benchmark public art project, placing it at the forefront of residential and community development in the Pilbara. In partnership, UAP and FORM combined the strengths and experience of both organisations with that of an established group of artists in the local community – Roebourne Art Group (RAG). UAP and FORM facilitated a workshop process which included a series of tailored sessions with participating RAG artists, which provided a unique platform for the professional development of the RAG artists and for the selection of artists and artworks for the project. Artists whose concepts were chosen for the project include Wendy Warrie, Janine Samson, Gavin Snook and Violet Samson, with a number of their works currently in progress in UAP's Brisbane foundry.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP | HOW TO MANAGE THE MEDIA | NOOSA REGIONAL GALLERY

6133 — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Noosa Regional Gallery is hosting a professional development workshop that teaches artists how to best utilise the media to enhance their practice. During the workshop, artists will be introduced to the communications mix or the range of ways they can use the media to effectively convey their desired message. In addition to identifying different way to use the media, participants will gain some valuable practice in developing a media plan and writing a media release. See full post below for further information.

The workshop will be held at the Noosa Regional Gallery from 10am-4pm on Tuesday 23 October 2012. The cost is $75 per person including lunch, with booking and pre-payment essential. Payment can be made through the Noosa Regional Gallery (5449 5430). Bookings can be made here.

ART IN HEALTHCARE | PUBLIC ART PROGRAM | URBAN ART PROJECTS

6133 — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Urban Art Projects has recently been involved in a number of projects within the healthcare sector namely, Gold Coast University Hospital and Brisbane's Mater Mothers' Hospital. Curator Renai Grace of Positive Solutions worked with each hospital to implement an integrated and broad art strategy to deliver artworks that achieved their respective visions. The result was a series of works that recognise art as being fundamental to an environment that fosters wellness during a patient's hospital stay, improving their experience as well as those of staff and family visitors to the hospital. UAP was engaged by each hospital via Positive Solutions to deliver the Design and Construction programs. UAP has also worked closely with artists Sebastian Di Mauro and Carly Kotynski on their successful commissions at two Queensland hospitals. Commissioned by Logan Hospital, Sebastian approached UAP to assist with the fabrication of his piece, 'Undulant' for the hospital's Maternity Ward. The work uses large-scale curved forms covered in faux turf to transform the otherwise non-descript waiting room area of the child and maternal healthcare centre. Proving popular with visitors of all ages, the artwork successfully enlivens a potentially clinical atmosphere, transforming it into a fun and interactive zone. Carly Kotynski was successfully chosen by Robina Hospital to create a public artwork for its Boulevard Courtyard. Carly employed the help of UAP in fabricating her design of six cast aluminium pieces, finished with applied enamel and mosaic tiles. Her sculptural elements are based upon the seeds of plants used for modern pharmaceutical purposes. This creates a strong connection between the artwork and the hospital environment it has been created for.
Pictured above is ‘...And all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands.’ by Marisa Molin for Mater Mothers Hospital. See full post below for images of other UAP Healthcare projects.

BRISBANE AIRPORT CORPORATION | CONTEMPORARY ART EVENT | ART WITH ALTITUDE

6133 — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Temporary art festival, Art with Altitude recently saw Brisbane's Airport Village transformed into an engaging public art space. Co-curated by UAP Senior Curatorial Lead Natasha Smith and Brisbane curator and artist Megan Cope, the week-long festival invited the public to engage with a unique collection of temporary installations responding to the festival theme of LAND to SKY and BEYOND, exploring concepts of flight, transition, movement and the atmosphere. Live music by a number of Brisbane based groups, roving performances by Flipside Circus, children’s theatre performances and workshops, combined with the colourful and interactive installations, made for an energetic and enticing atmosphere, irresistible to younger visitors and families. See full post below for more Art with Altitude images.

"Megan and I were delighted to curate the inaugural Art with Altitude festival for the Brisbane Airport. All the artists involved did an amazing job and the festival was a great success, drawing a much larger number of visitors than originally anticipated. It is wonderful to see a large corporation like Brisbane Airport Corporation supporting emerging artists and the exhibition of ephemeral art in such a bold and visionary way. I hope Art with Altitude will become a favourite on the Brisbane events calendar in future years". Natasha Smith, Senior Curatorial Lead, UAP

URBAN ELEMENTS | CUSTOMISED PLAQUE STAND | URBAN ART PROJECTS

6133 — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Urban Art Projects was recently commissioned by Signtime, on behalf of the client, the University of Townsville to create a series of customised plaque stands. Each stand is made of cast aluminium, and features a simple folded flap upon which to place each plaque. Originally the client envisaged a more detailed timber pattern, however UAP offered an alternative pattern in order to keep within the client's budget.

BESPOKE RESIDENTIAL DESIGNS | NOOSA | UAP AUSTRALIA

6133 — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1000

In a recent project, UAP collaborated with Place Design Group to create a bespoke privacy screen for a private residence in Noosa. The client sought a customised screen to complement the new landscape design. Four screens are to be placed over a 4-5 metre span interspersed with flowers and select foliage growing between them. The screen effectively fulfills its dual purpose as a bespoke artwork solution in addition to increasing the privacy of the surrounding gardens.

ARTIST VISIT | LINDY LEE | UAP AUSTRALIA

6133 — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Artist Lindy Lee recently stopped by UAP's Brisbane foundry to continue her experimention with metals in her practice. During a visit earlier this year, Lindy worked with members of the workshop team to solder patterns into sheet metal. On her recent visit she explored the use of metal pouring to create unique and inimitable shapes out of molten silicon bronze. Lindy will continue to work closely with UAP in the coming months, as she was recently chosen to lead a team of artists and designers who will create a brand-new public space in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown. In collaboration with UAP and landscape architects, urban designers and technical experts, Lindy will draw on the principles of Taoist and Buddhist philosophy to create a major new artistic space providing a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese gardens. See the full post below for more images of Lindy's foundry visit.

CUSTOMISED STREET FURNITURE | JACK EVANS BOAT HARBOUR | TWEED HEADS

6133 — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1000

A recent project to benefit from UAP's custom furniture capabilities is the 2011 upgrade of the Jack Evans Boat Harbour at Tweed Heads. Inspired by another UAP designed range featured throughout the Tweed Shire, Aspect Studios commissioned UAP to fabricate a similar product with a twist. Adapted to fit the concrete element featured along the length of the harbour boardwalk, the custom designed chairs were inspired by sun beds, inviting passers-by to stop and enjoy a moment on the boardwalk. See below for more images.